My Friend Nemo

I’m so sad to report this morning that yesterday, my dear little friend of nearly sixteen years, Nemo, passed away. He was my guardian, writing partner, and companion with a freckled nose, short legs, and a waggy tail. He had been failing for several years and, at the last, he was blind and deaf. However, he still enjoyed a spot of sunshine to sleep in and the occasional bite of chicken. But then, arthritis crept up and he could no longer walk and he developed an illness and could no longer eat or drink.

I miss him already but I’m so grateful for those cherished Nemo years. I’m reprinting one of the many articles I wrote about Nemo, a few years back:

                  Nemo

I let him out this morning to do his usual things. It was a rainy morning, more like spring than winter, but out he went to bravely face the elements. He trotted around the back yard, head up, abbreviated tail up, plume at the end of it held high. He was checking his small kingdom to be sure everything was as it should be.

With Corgi legs and partial Corgi tail, with Spaniel ears and freckled nose, and with a personality all his own, Nemo’s parentage is a mystery. But, that’s fine. When people ask what breed he is, I say that he’s a Sporgi.

I’m glad that, at least one little throw-away animal, discarded and unloved, found a good home. I’ve had Nemo since he was a fifteen pound puppy. He was neglected, dirty, flea and tick-ridden when he wandered into my brother’s shop. Even then his perky spirit shone through. But, all that is in the past.

There’s an old saying, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and, sad to say, it sometimes fits one of God’s living, unique, innocent creations. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, a trustworthy friend, and a warm addition to your family, I hope you consider a homeless dog or cat. You’ll be benefiting a needy creature and enriching your own life, as mine has been enriched by Nemo.

Puppy Nemo 16 years ago